Guinn edges Democrat rival to pick up Nevada

Guinn was popular among older voters, while younger voters favored Jones, who has been mayor of Las Vegas since 1991.

The two competed to succeed Democratic Gov. Bob Miller, who was first elected in 1990 and was ineligible for a third term. Both candidates easily won their primaries.

Jones, who disposed easily of state Sen. Joe Neal in the primary, jumped into the race late, giving Democrats an established political figure in their effort to hold the governor's seat.

While she ruffled party feathers four years ago by challenging Miller in a primary, Democrats were happy to have a top-tier candidate this year.

Jan Jones

On the GOP side, Guinn raised big money early and consolidated party support, which made him the favorite in the primary against Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren, a wealthy but quirky candidate, and Aaron Russo, a Hollywood producer.

Jones comes out of the private sector, with stints as a management company executive and restaurant holding company executive, and was an articulate and outgoing candidate.

But Guinn's inroads in fast-growing Clark County -- Las Vegas -- and expected strength elsewhere in the state made the seat a key GOP takeover target.

Jones ran a TV spot criticizing Guinn's record as Clark County's school superintendent, and generally tried to focus on issues like education, health care and the environment. But Guinn also trumpeted his education background.